Baga Snake Bansonyi Sculpture Guinea

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

Damage/Repair: Arrested bug damage

This is a Baga protective serpent, known in the literature under various names: Bansonyi, A-mantsho-na-tshol, or Inap. The serpent here represented is said to be similar to the ferocious python whose spirit called Ninkinanka is involved in curing infertility and droughts, bringing prosperity, wealth, and rain. During the initiation of young boys, the serpent mask is involved in protecting boys at circumcision. In some sub-groups of Baga people, it appears during the initiation of young girls. It also appears at funerals.